JP7341764B2 - fire alarm equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to fire alarm equipment.

Patent Document 1 below describes a case where there are two or more terminal devices that are assigned duplicate addresses (hereinafter referred to as "overlapping address terminals") among a plurality of terminal devices connected to a transmission line. discloses a fire alarm system that lights up an indicator light of a terminal with a duplicate address.
As a result, when constructing fire alarm equipment, a worker can search for a terminal device whose indicator light is lit (duplicate address terminal) and reset the correct address to that terminal device.

Patent No. 4919393

However, when searching for where a terminal with a duplicate address is connected on a transmission line, a worker needs to check the indicator lights of the terminal equipment connected to the transmission line one by one. Searching efficiency is poor.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide fire alarm equipment that can improve the efficiency of searching for terminal devices that have been assigned duplicate addresses. .

(1) One aspect of the present invention includes a receiver, a plurality of terminal devices connected to one or more transmission lines, and an output device provided on the transmission line, and the receiver includes two or more terminal devices connected to one or more transmission lines. A duplicate address, which is an address that has been assigned in duplicate to the terminal device, is output as a first address to the transmission line, and each terminal device outputs a duplicate address, which is an address that has been assigned in duplicate to the terminal device, to the transmission line, and each of the terminal devices If the address matches, a response signal is output to the receiver via the transmission line, and the output device outputs a predetermined response signal based on the response signal flowing to the transmission line where the output device is installed. The fire alarm equipment is characterized in that it performs at least one of notification according to the mode and notification to the receiver.

(2) In the fire alarm equipment according to (1) above, the transmission line is a second transmission line branched into a plurality of lines from a first transmission line connected to the receiver, and the output device is a plurality of second transmission lines branched from a first transmission line connected to the receiver. may be provided in each of the second transmission lines.

(3) The fire alarm equipment according to (2) above, wherein the output device has an indicator light provided upstream of the plurality of terminal devices in the second transmission line, and the indicator light may be turned on when a response current functioning as the response signal flows through the second transmission line connected to the indicator light.

(4) In the fire alarm equipment according to (1) above, the transmission line is connected to the receiver in a loop, and the output device connects the transmission line to each of the one or more terminal devices. and each of the output devices includes a current direction detection unit that detects the direction of the response current that functions as the response signal flowing through the transmission line, and a current direction detection unit that detects the direction of the response current that is detected by the current direction detection unit. and a control unit that outputs a response signal including the above to the receiver.

(5) In the fire alarm equipment according to (4) above, the receiver identifies the location of the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached based on the response signal obtained from each of the output devices. It's okay.

(6) The fire alarm equipment according to (5) above, wherein the receiver includes a first transmission process for transmitting a signal including the first address in a first direction to the transmission line; a second transmission process for transmitting a signal including the first address in a second direction opposite to the first direction; A first response signal that is the response signal obtained from each of the output devices by performing the second transmission process, and a second response signal that is the response signal obtained from each of the output devices by executing the second transmission process. , a specifying unit that specifies the location of the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached, based on the first response signal and the second response signal, the specifying unit connects to the transmission line based on the first response signal and the second response signal. Among the plurality of output devices, a first output device that detects the response current in both the first direction and the second direction; a second output device that is the output device that has detected the response current in one of the two directions; and a determination unit that determines the transmission line between the first and second output devices. , and a determining unit that determines that the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached is connected.

(7) In the fire alarm equipment according to (6) above, the determination unit detects the response current in the first direction when the first output device is not present among the plurality of output devices. Even if it is determined that the terminal device assigned the duplicate address is connected to the transmission line between the output device and the output device that has detected the response current in the second direction. good.

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the efficiency of searching for terminal devices to which addresses are assigned duplicately.

It is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of fire alarm equipment 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an output device 4 according to the first embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a schematic structure of fire alarm equipment 1A concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an output device 4A according to a second embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a schematic structure of fire alarm equipment 1B concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a schematic structure of output device 4B concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure showing a response current information storage table concerning a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. It is a figure showing the response current information storage table in the 1st example concerning a 3rd embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the response current information storage table in the 2nd example based on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of identifying a terminal with a duplicate address according to the third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the response current information storage table in the 3rd example based on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure showing the flow of operation of receiver 2B concerning a 3rd embodiment.

Hereinafter, the fire alarm equipment according to the present embodiment will be explained using the drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a fire alarm equipment 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fire alarm equipment 1 includes a receiver 2, a plurality of terminal devices 3, and an output device 4.

The receiver 2 is a so-called R-type receiver, and is installed, for example, in a manager's room on the first floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1 is installed. A plurality of terminal devices 3 are connected to the receiver 2 via transmission lines T. For convenience of explanation, a case will be described in which only one transmission line T is connected to the fire alarm equipment 1; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fire alarm equipment 1 can connect to multiple systems (for example, 16 transmission lines T may be connected to the receiver 2.

The transmission line T includes a first transmission line Tr connected to the receiver 2 and a plurality of second transmission lines D branched from the first transmission line Tr. That is, the transmission line T branches into a plurality of second transmission lines D from the first transmission line Tr. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the transmission line T branches from the first transmission line Tr into three second transmission lines D (D1 to D3), but the number of branches is not limited to this. is not particularly limited. Note that the "second transmission line D" is an example of the "transmission line" of the present invention. Note that when the three second transmission lines D1 to D3 are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "second transmission line D."

The plurality of terminal devices 3 are connected to each second transmission line D. For example, one or more terminal devices 3 are connected in parallel to each second transmission line D. Note that the number of terminal devices 3 connected to each of the plurality of second transmission lines D is not particularly limited.

For example, the plurality of terminal devices 3 are arranged on the ceiling or wall of each floor of a building. For example, one or more terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D1 are connected to the first floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1 is installed. For example, one or more terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D2 are connected to the second floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1 is installed. For example, one or more terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D3 are connected to the third floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1 is installed.

Each of the plurality of terminal devices 3 is given a unique address. However, an address may be assigned to each terminal device 3 by a worker using a dedicated terminal during construction or the like. In this case, a case may occur in which an address is assigned to two or more terminal devices 3 in duplicate. In this embodiment, two or more terminal devices 3 to which addresses are assigned in duplicate, that is, to which the same address is assigned, are referred to as "overlapping address terminals", and addresses assigned to overlapping address terminals are referred to as "overlapping address terminals". ”.

When the terminal device 3 receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as a "calling signal") having an address (hereinafter referred to as "the first address") from the receiver 2 via the second transmission line D, the terminal device 3 transmits the first address. The address is compared with the address assigned to the terminal device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "second address"). Then, when the first address and the second address match, the terminal device 3 outputs a response current, which is a predetermined current, as a response signal to the receiver 2 via the second transmission line D. respond to receiver 2; It is preferable that the response current communicate with the receiver using a pulse waveform, but it may also be a simple on/off signal. Note that the terminal device 3 has an indicator light 3a, and displays the indicator light 3a when the first address and the second address match.

For example, the terminal device 3 is a variety of sensors such as a heat sensor and a smoke sensor, a transmitter, a repeater, a district sound device, a light alarm device, and the like.

The output device 4 is connected to each of the plurality of second transmission lines D. In this embodiment, the output device 4-1 is connected to the second transmission line D1, the output device 4-2 is connected to the second transmission line D2, and the output device 4-3 is connected to the second transmission line D3. There is. Note that when the three output devices 4-1 to 4-3 are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "output device 4."

It is desirable that all the output devices 4 are provided together in a predetermined area on a certain floor, rather than being scattered over multiple floors of the building. For example, in the second transmission line D, each branch point branching from the first transmission line Tr is often provided not in a residential unit but in a common area. Therefore, each output device 4 may be provided near the branch point.
The output device 4 is provided upstream of all the terminal devices 3 on the second transmission line D to which the output device 4 is connected. The upstream side is the side that transmits the calling signal, and the downstream side is the side that receives the calling signal.

When a response current flows through the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided, the output device 4 uses the response current to at least perform notification in a predetermined manner and notification to the receiver 2. Do either. In the present embodiment, when a response current flows through the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided, the output device 4 makes a notification in a predetermined manner using the response current.

Here, the output device 4 detects a response current in the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided, and uses the detected response current as a drive source to notify the receiver 2 in a predetermined manner. At least one of the following notifications may be made.

In addition, the output device 4 does not perform a detection process of detecting a response current in the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided, and uses the response current flowing in the second transmission line D as a drive source. At least one of the broadcasting method and the notification to the receiver 2 may be performed.
In addition, the output device 4 executes a detection process to determine whether the current value of the response current flowing through the second transmission line D where the output device 4 is provided exceeds a predetermined value, and If the value exceeds a predetermined value, at least one of notification in a predetermined manner and notification to the receiver 2 may be performed. Note that, as a method for acquiring the current value of the response current, a known technique using a current transformer or a shunt resistor can be used.

The predetermined modes include image display, audio output, light emission or blinking of an indicator light such as a light emitting diode, vibration by a vibrator, and the like. In this embodiment, a case where the predetermined aspect is light emission from an indicator lamp will be described as an example.
When a response current flows through the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided, the output device 4 may notify the receiver 2 of this fact wirelessly or by wire. For example, the output device 4 may notify the receiver 2 via the second transmission line D when a response current flows through the second transmission line D on which the output device 4 is provided.

Next, the configuration of the receiver 2 according to the first embodiment will be described.
The receiver 2 includes a transmission section 10, an operation section 11, a display section 12, an alarm section 13, and a control section 14.

The transmission unit 10 transmits and receives signals to and from a plurality of terminal devices 3 connected to each of the two transmission lines D via the transmission line T according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The transmission unit 10 transmits the calling signal to the plurality of terminal devices 3 and output devices 4 in voltage mode. This call signal is a signal that specifies the address (first address) of the terminal device 3 or output device 4, and is transmitted as a voltage pulse that changes the line voltage of the transmission line T between, for example, 18 volts and 30 volts. Ru. The transmission unit 10 also receives a response signal (response current) as a response to the calling signal.

The operation unit 11 is, for example, an operation panel or operation buttons provided on the receiver 2. The operation unit 11 is operated by a building manager, a guard, a security guard, or the like.

The display unit 12 includes a liquid crystal display and an indicator light. For example, the display unit 12 displays the location where the terminal device 3 that outputs the alarm signal to the receiver 2 is installed as the location where the fire occurred, along with a display indicating that a fire has occurred.
The alarm unit 13 outputs a fire alarm when receiving the alarm signal.

The control unit 14 includes a duplicate address determination unit 20 and a transmission unit 21.

The duplicate address determination unit 20 determines duplicate addresses from among the second addresses assigned to the plurality of terminal devices 3. Various methods can be used to determine duplicate addresses in the duplicate address determination unit 20, such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 08-106591, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-221673, and Publication No. 2007-147633. The well-known technique described in et al. is used.

For example, the control unit 14 causes the transmission unit 10 to transmit a first paging signal that sequentially specifies the addresses of the terminal devices 3 at predetermined intervals, and receives a response signal to the first paging signal. By doing so, data detected by the terminal device 3 is collected and the presence or absence of a fire is determined. That is, signal transmission between the receiver 2 and the terminal device 3 is performed using a polling method. Therefore, if an error occurs in the response signal obtained when transmitting the first calling signal specifying the address of a certain terminal device 3, the duplicate address determination unit 20 determines that the address is a duplicate address. You may.

The transmitter 21 causes the transmitter 5 to transmit a second paging signal specifying the duplicate address (first address) determined by the duplicate address determiner 20 to the plurality of terminal devices 3 .

Next, an example of the configuration of the output device 4 according to the first embodiment will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the output device 4 according to the first embodiment.

The output device 4 includes an indicator light 4a.

The indicator light 4a is, for example, a light emitting diode. The indicator light 4a is electrically connected to the second transmission line D. For example, assume that a plurality of terminal devices 3-1 to 3-n are connected to the second transmission line D to which the output device 4 of the indicator light 4a is connected. In this case, the indicator light 4a is provided at a position on the second transmission line D through which the response current always passes, no matter which terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices 3-1 to 3-n outputs the response current. ing. For example, the indicator light 4a is provided upstream of the plurality of terminal devices 3-1 to 3-3 on the second transmission line D. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the second transmission line D consists of the signal line Da and the ground line Db, the indicator light 4a is connected to the ground line Db, but the indicator lamp 4a is not limited to this, and the signal It may be connected to the line Da.

Next, the operation of the fire alarm equipment 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained.
When the duplicate address determination unit 20 determines a duplicate address, the receiver 2 transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the plurality of terminal devices 3 . Note that the receiver 2 may transmit the second calling signal to the plurality of terminal devices 3 at the timing when the operation unit 11 receives a predetermined operation.
When the duplicate address terminal receives the second calling signal, it lights up the indicator light 3a and outputs a response current to the receiver 2. Then, the indicator light 4a of the output device 4 connected to the same second transmission line D as the terminal with the duplicate address lights up.

As a result, if there is a terminal device with a duplicate address (duplicate address terminal) among the plurality of terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D1, the output device 4-1 By lighting the indicator light 4a using the response current output by the device, it is possible to notify that the duplicate address terminal is connected to the second transmission line D1.
If there is a terminal device with a duplicate address (duplicate address terminal) among the plurality of terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D2, the output device 4-2 outputs the output from the terminal device. By lighting the indicator light 4a using the response current, it is possible to notify that the duplicate address terminal is connected to the second transmission line D2.
If there is a terminal device with a duplicate address (duplicate address terminal) among the plurality of terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line D3, the output device 4-3 outputs the output from the terminal device. By lighting the indicator light 4a using the response current, it is possible to notify that the duplicate address terminal is connected to the second transmission line D3.

In this way, the fire alarm equipment 1 according to the first embodiment includes the output device 4 connected to each of the plurality of second transmission lines D in one-to-one correspondence. The output device 4 includes an indicator light 4a, and when a response current functioning as a response signal flows through the second transmission line D to which the output device 4 is connected, the output device 4 uses the response current to transmit the indicator light 4a. Display.

According to such a configuration, when searching for where the duplicate address terminal is connected, the operator first checks the indicator lights 4a of the plurality of output devices 4 and locates the terminal where the duplicate address terminal exists. By understanding the two transmission lines, it is possible to narrow down the terminal devices to be searched. Thereby, the worker only needs to check the terminal devices 3 connected to the second transmission line whose indicator light 4a is lit, and there is no need to check each terminal device one by one. Therefore, the efficiency of searching for terminals with duplicate addresses can be improved.

Furthermore, the plurality of output devices 4 may be provided collectively in a predetermined area (for example, a common area) on a certain floor, instead of being scattered over multiple floors of the building. This makes it easier for the worker to check the indicator lights 4a of all the output devices 4, and further improves the work efficiency of searching for terminals with duplicate addresses.

<Second embodiment>
Below, a fire alarm equipment 1A according to a second embodiment will be described. In the fire alarm equipment 1A according to the second embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the output device 4A notifies the receiver 2 using a response current, and the receiver 2A displays a display according to the notification. This embodiment is different in that it is performed, and the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of fire alarm equipment 1A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the fire alarm equipment 1A includes a receiver 2A, a plurality of terminal devices 3, and an output device 4A.

The receiver 2A is a so-called R-type receiver, and is installed, for example, in a manager's room on the first floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1A is installed. A plurality of terminal devices 3 are connected to the receiver 2A via transmission lines T. For convenience of explanation, a case will be described in which only one transmission line T is connected to the fire alarm equipment 1A, but the invention is not limited to this, and the fire alarm equipment 1A, like the fire alarm equipment 1, A plurality of transmission lines T (for example, 1 to 16 systems) may be connected to the receiver 2A.

The output device 4A is connected to each of the plurality of second transmission lines D. In this embodiment, the output device 4A-1 is connected to the second transmission line D1, the output device 4A-2 is connected to the second transmission line D2, and the output device 4A-3 is connected to the second transmission line D3. There is. Note that when the three output devices 4A-1 to 4A-3 are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "output device 4A."

All the output devices 4A may be provided together in a predetermined area (for example, a common area) on a certain floor, instead of being scattered over multiple floors of the building, as in the first embodiment. For example, each output device 4A may be provided near a branch point.
The output device 4A is provided upstream of all the terminal devices 3 on the second transmission line D to which the output device 4A is connected.

When a response current flows through the second transmission line D on which the output device 4A is provided, the output device 4A notifies the receiver 2 using the response current.
An example of a schematic configuration of an output device 4A according to the second embodiment is shown below. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an output device 4A according to the second embodiment.

The output device 4A includes a constant voltage section 30, a current detection section 31, a control section 32, and a transmission section 33. Note that a unique address (hereinafter referred to as "third address") is assigned in advance to each output device 4A.

The constant voltage unit 30 generates a power supply voltage Vcc based on the power supplied from the upstream side (for example, the receiver 2) or the downstream side (for example, the terminal device 3) via the second transmission line D, It is supplied to each part of the output device 4A.

The current detection section 31 executes a current detection process of detecting a response current flowing through the second transmission line D where the output device 4A including the current detection section 31 is provided. As a method for detecting a response current in the current detection process, a known technique using a current transformer or a shunt resistor can be used.

For example, the current detection section 31 includes a shunt resistor. The shunt resistor is inserted and connected to the ground line Db. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shunt resistor may be inserted and connected to the signal line Da. The current detection unit 31 detects the voltage generated across the shunt resistor due to the current flowing through the shunt resistor, and when the detected voltage (hereinafter referred to as "detected voltage") is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, It is determined that a response current has flowed. Thereby, the current detection section 31 can detect the response current. The current detection unit 31 outputs a detection result in the current detection process (hereinafter referred to as “detection presence/absence information”) to the control unit 32. Note that the detection presence/absence information includes information as to whether or not a response current is detected, and may further include information on the current value of the response current and the above-mentioned detected voltage.

When the control unit 32 receives the current detection start command signal from the receiver 2 via the second transmission line D, the control unit 32 causes the current detection unit 31 to execute current detection processing. Thereby, the current detection unit 31 starts the current detection process, which is repeatedly executed at regular intervals until, for example, the output device 4A receives a third calling signal (described later) from the receiver 2.
The control unit 32 stores detection presence/absence information, which is the result of the current detection process, that is, the response current detection result, in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 32 .

When the control unit 32 receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as "third calling signal") having the address (first address) of the output device 3 from the receiver 2 via the second transmission line D, The first address and the third address stored in the control unit 32 are compared. The third address stored in the control unit 32 is an address assigned to the output device 4A that includes the control unit 32.
When the first address included in the third calling signal received from the receiver 2 and the third address stored in itself match, the control unit 32 uses the detection stored in the control unit 32. The presence/absence information is transmitted to the transmission section 33.

The control unit 32 is composed of a processor, memory, and the like. Processors include CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), microprocessor, processor core, multiprocessor, and ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated circuit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the like. The memory temporarily stores various data such as detection information. For example, the memory is a RAM (Random Access Memory).

Upon receiving the third paging signal, the transmission section 33 transmits the third paging signal to the control section 32 . Further, when the transmission unit 33 acquires the detection presence/absence information from the control unit 32, it transmits a response signal including the acquired detection presence/absence information to the receiver 2A in current mode. For example, the transmission unit 33 may transmit a response signal including detection information to the receiver 2A via the transmission line T. Further, the transmission unit 33 may wirelessly transmit a response signal including the detection presence/absence information to the receiver 2A.

Next, the configuration of the receiver 2A according to the second embodiment will be described.
The receiver 2A includes a transmission section 10, an operation section 11, a display section 12, an alarm section 13, and a control section 14A.

The control unit 14A includes a duplicate address determining unit 20, a transmitting unit 21A, and a specifying unit 22.

When the duplicate address determining unit 20 determines a duplicate address, the transmitting unit 21A first causes the transmitting unit 5 to transmit a current detection start command signal to all output devices 4A. Next, the transmitting unit 21A causes the transmitting unit 5 to transmit a second paging signal specifying the duplicate address (first address) determined by the duplicate address determining unit 20 to the plurality of terminal devices 3.

After the transmitting unit 21 transmits the second paging signal specifying the duplicate address from the transmitting unit 5 to the plurality of terminal devices 3, the specifying unit 22 specifies the second paging signal specifying the address of the output device 4 in order at a predetermined period. 3. The calling signal is transmitted from the transmission line T toward the plurality of output devices 4. The identification unit 22 receives response signals to the third paging signal from the plurality of output devices 4 via the transmission unit 10, and identifies the second transmission line D where the duplicate address terminal exists based on each response signal. do. The specifying unit 22 displays on the display unit 12 that there is a terminal with a duplicate address on the specified second transmission line D. For example, the identification unit 22 may display the identification information of the identified second transmission line D on the display unit 12, or may display the identification information of the identified second transmission line D in a guarded area (for example, a floor of a building) where the identified second transmission line D is wired. may be displayed on the display unit 12.

Next, the operation of the fire alarm equipment 1A according to the second embodiment will be explained.
When the duplicate address determination unit 20 determines a duplicate address, the receiver 2A transmits a current detection start command signal to the plurality of output devices 4A, and then sends a second call specifying the duplicate address to the plurality of terminal devices 3. transmit signals. Upon receiving the current detection start command signal, the output device 4A executes current detection processing. When the duplicate address terminal receives the second calling signal, it lights up the indicator light 3a and outputs a response current to the receiver 2A. Therefore, the output device 4A connected to the same second transmission line D as the duplicate address terminal detects the response current by executing the current detection process.
The receiver 2A transmits the third calling signal to the plurality of output devices 4A after a predetermined time has elapsed since transmitting the second calling signal. Each output device 4A outputs a response signal including detection presence/absence information indicating whether or not a response current is detected to the receiver 2A as a response signal to the third calling signal.

In this way, the fire alarm equipment 1A according to the second embodiment includes the output device 4A connected to each of the plurality of second transmission lines D in one-to-one correspondence. Then, the output device 4 notifies the receiver 2A when a response current flows through the second transmission line D to which the output device 4 is connected.

According to such a configuration, when searching for where a terminal with a duplicate address is connected, the operator first checks the information of the output device 4 notified to the receiver 2A, and then searches for the duplicate address. By knowing the second transmission line D where a terminal exists, it is possible to narrow down the terminal devices to be searched for. Thereby, the operator only needs to check the terminal device 3 of the second transmission line D3 to which the output device 4A that detected the response current is connected, and there is no need to check each terminal device one by one. Therefore, the efficiency of searching for terminals with duplicate addresses can be improved.

<Third embodiment>
The fire alarm equipment 1B according to the third embodiment will be described below. The fire alarm equipment 1B according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of terminal devices 3 and a plurality of output devices 4B are connected to a loop-shaped transmission line with respect to a receiving device 4B. The difference is that the output device 4B notifies the receiver 2 using a response current, and the receiver 2B specifies the location to which the duplicate address terminal is connected in response to the notification. In addition, in the drawings, the same or similar parts may be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of fire alarm equipment 1B according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the fire alarm equipment 1B includes a receiver 2B, a plurality of terminal devices 3, and a plurality of output devices 4B.

The receiver 2B is a so-called R-type receiver, and is installed, for example, in a manager's room on the first floor of a building where the fire alarm equipment 1B is installed. A plurality of terminal devices 3 and a plurality of output devices 4B are connected to the receiver 2B via a loop-shaped transmission line (hereinafter referred to as a "loop transmission line") L. For convenience of explanation, a case will be described in which only one loop transmission line L is connected to the fire alarm equipment 1B, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fire alarm equipment 1B can be connected to multiple systems (for example, one ~16 systems) loop transmission lines L may be connected to the receiver 2B. Note that the "loop transmission line L" is an example of the "transmission line" of the present invention.

The loop transmission line L has a first end connected to a first terminal 100 of the receiver 2B, and a second end connected to a second terminal 101 of the receiver 2B. The loop transmission line L is composed of a pair of signal line La and ground line Lb. Here, the maximum number of addresses set for the terminals including the terminal device 3 and output device 4B connected to the loop transmission line L is, for example, 255, and the loop transmission line L has a maximum of 254 terminal devices 3 and output devices. Terminals including 4B can be connected.

The plurality of terminal devices 3 are connected to the loop transmission line L. Note that the number of terminal devices 3 connected to the loop transmission line L is not particularly limited. For example, the plurality of terminal devices 3 are arranged on the ceiling or wall within a certain warning area.

The plurality of output devices 4B are connected to the loop transmission line L. Specifically, the output device 4B is connected to the loop transmission line L for each one or more terminal devices 3. Each output device 4B is assigned a unique address.

Each output device 4B has a current direction detection function that detects a response current flowing to a position to which the output device 4B is connected in the loop transmission line L, and detects the direction of the response current. The current direction detection function detects the current direction of the current i shown by the arrow flowing by the transmission of the response signal from the terminal device 3 as the "forward direction" in a normal state where there is no disconnection fault in the loop transmission line L. A current -i flowing in the opposite direction is detected as a "reverse direction" and transmitted to the receiver 2B. Note that the forward direction is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The reverse direction is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention.

In the third embodiment, for convenience of explanation, 12 terminal devices 3-1 to 3-12 and five output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 are connected to the loop transmission line L. has been done. Furthermore, the 12 terminal devices 3 (terminal devices 3-1 to 3-12) and the five output devices 4B (output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5) are connected from the first terminal 100 to the second terminal 101. Terminal device 3-1, terminal device 3-2, output device 4B-1, terminal device 3-3, terminal device 3-4, output device 4B-2, terminal device 3-5, terminal device 3- 6, output device 4B-3, terminal device 3-7, terminal device 3-8, output device 4B-4, terminal device 3-9, terminal device 3-10, output device 4B-5, terminal device 3-11, The terminal devices 3 to 12 are connected to the loop transmission circuit L in this order. Note that when the five output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "output device 4B."

Next, the configuration of the output device 4B according to the third embodiment will be described.
An example of a schematic configuration of an output device 4B according to the third embodiment is shown below. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an output device 4B according to the third embodiment.

The output device 4B includes a constant voltage section 50, a shunt resistor 51, a current direction detection section 52, a control section 53, and a transmission section 54. Note that, similarly to the second embodiment, each output device 4B is assigned a third address that is a unique address in advance.

The constant voltage section 50 generates a power supply voltage Vcc based on the power supplied from the upstream side (first terminal 100) or the downstream side (second terminal 101) via the loop transmission line L, and outputs it. It is supplied to each part of the device 4B.

The shunt resistor 51 is inserted and connected to the signal line La. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the shunt resistor 51 may be inserted and connected to the ground line Lb.

The current direction detection unit 52 detects a detection voltage that is a voltage generated across the shunt resistor 51 due to the current flowing through the shunt resistor 51, and executes a current direction detection process to detect the current direction of the current according to the detected voltage. do. For example, when a response current i shown by a solid line flows in the loop transmission line L in the forward direction from the first terminal 100 to the second terminal 101, the first A polarity (positive or negative) detection voltage is generated. On the other hand, when the response current -i flows in the loop transmission line L in the opposite direction from the second terminal 101 to the first terminal 100, the second polarity is applied to both ends of the shunt resistor 51. Detection voltage is generated. The second polarity is the inverted polarity of the first polarity. Therefore, as current direction detection processing, the current direction detection unit 52 determines the polarity of the detected voltage, and detects the current direction of the response current based on the determined polarity. However, the current direction detection unit 52 may determine that the response current has flowed when the detected voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and may detect the direction of the response current based on the polarity of the detected voltage. Therefore, for example, when the detected voltage is less than a predetermined value, the current direction detection unit 52 determines that no response current is flowing and does not detect the direction of the response current.

The current direction detection unit 52 outputs the detection result in the current direction detection process (hereinafter referred to as “current direction information”) to the control unit 53. The current direction information may include information on whether a response current is detected and information on the current direction of the response current when a response current is detected, or may include only information on the current direction. Good too.

When the control unit 53 receives the current detection start command signal from the receiver 2B via the loop transmission line L, the control unit 53 causes the current direction detection unit 52 to execute current direction detection processing. Thereby, the current direction detection unit 52 starts the current direction detection process, and repeats the current direction detection process at regular intervals until, for example, the output device 4B receives the third ringing signal from the receiver 2B.
The control unit 53 stores the current direction information in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 53.

When the control unit 53 receives a third calling signal, which is a signal having an address, from the receiver 2B via the loop transmission line L, the control unit 53 compares the address with the third address stored in the control unit 53. compare. The third address according to the third embodiment is an address assigned to the output device 4B.
When the address received from the receiver 2B matches the third address stored in itself, the control unit 53 transmits the current direction information stored in the control unit 53 to the transmission unit 54. .

The control unit 53 is composed of a processor, memory, and the like. The processor may include a CPU, MPU, GPU, microprocessor, processor core, multiprocessor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. The memory temporarily stores various data such as current direction information. For example, the memory is a RAM.

Upon receiving the third paging signal, the transmission section 54 transmits the third paging signal to the control section 53 . Moreover, when the transmission unit 54 acquires current direction information from the control unit 53, it transmits a response signal including the acquired current direction information to the receiver 2B in current mode. For example, the transmission unit 54 may transmit a response signal including current direction information to the receiver 2B via the loop transmission line L. Further, the transmission unit 54 may wirelessly transmit a response signal including current direction information to the receiver 2B.

Next, the configuration of the receiver 2B according to the third embodiment will be described.

The receiver 2B includes a transmission section 10B, an operation section 11, a display section 12, an alarm section 13, a switching section 40, and a control section 14B.

The switching unit 40 can switch the terminal connected to the transmission unit 10 to the first terminal 100 or the second terminal 101. That is, the switching unit 40 has a first connection state in which the first end of the loop transmission line L is electrically connected to the transmission unit 10, and a first connection state in which the second end of the loop transmission line L is connected to the transmission unit 10. A second connection state, which is an electrically connected state, can be switched. Note that the switching operation in the switching section 40 is controlled by the control section 14B.

Specifically, the switching unit 40 includes a switch SW1 and a switch SW2.

Switch SW1 is provided between first terminal 100 and transmission section 10. The switch SW1 electrically connects between the first terminal 100 and the transmission section 10 when it is in the on state, and connects the first terminal 100 and the transmission section 10 electrically when it is in the off state. The connection will be terminated.

Switch SW2 is provided between second terminal 101 and transmission section 10. The switch SW2 electrically connects the second terminal 101 and the transmission section 10 when it is in the on state, and connects the second terminal 101 and the transmission section 10 electrically when it is in the off state. The connection will be terminated.

In the first connection state, the switch SW1 is on and the switch SW2 is off. In the second connection state, the switch SW1 is in an off state and the switch SW2 is in an on state.

The transmission unit 10B transmits and receives signals to and from a plurality of terminal devices 3 connected to each of the two transmission lines D via the loop transmission line L according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The transmission unit 10B transmits the calling signal to the plurality of terminal devices 3 in voltage mode. Specifically, the transmission section 10B transmits a current detection start command signal to the plurality of terminal devices 3B under the control of the control section 14B. Further, the transmission unit 10 transmits the second paging signal to the plurality of terminal devices 3 under the control of the control unit 14B.
In addition, the transmission unit 10B has two connection states (hereinafter simply referred to as “connection states”) between the transmission unit 10B and the loop transmission line L: a first connection state and a second connection state. In both cases, the third paging signal is transmitted from the transmission section 10B to the loop transmission line L, respectively.
Specifically, when the connection state is the first connection state, the transmission unit 10B forwardly transmits a current detection start command signal to the loop transmission line L under the control of the control unit 14B, After the transmission, a first transmission process of transmitting a third paging signal in the forward direction to the loop transmission line L is executed. Furthermore, when the connection state is the second connection state, the transmission section 10B transmits the current detection start command signal in the reverse direction to the loop transmission line L under the control of the control section 14B, and Afterwards, a second transmission process is executed to transmit a third paging signal in the opposite direction to the loop transmission line L.

The control section 14B includes a duplicate address determination section 20, a transmission section 21B, a switching control section 60, and a specification section 70.

When the duplicate address determining unit 20 determines a duplicate address, the transmitting unit 21B first causes the transmitting unit 5 to transmit a current detection start command signal to all output devices 4B. Next, the transmitter 21B causes the transmitter 5 to transmit a second paging signal specifying the duplicate address (first address) determined by the duplicate address determiner 20 to the plurality of terminal devices 3.

The switching control unit 60 controls switching processing in the switching unit 40 to the first connection state or the second connection state. Specifically, the switching control unit 60 switches each of the switch SW1 and the switch SW2 to an on state or an off state. The switching control unit 60 controls the switch SW1 to be in the on state and the switch SW2 to be in the off state, thereby controlling the transmission unit 10 and the loop transmission line L to be in the first connection state. Further, the switching control unit 60 controls the switch SW1 to be in the OFF state and the switch SW2 to be in the ON state, thereby controlling the transmission unit 10 and the loop transmission line L to be in the second connection state.

After the transmitting unit 21 transmits the second paging signal specifying the duplicate address from the transmitting unit 5 to the plurality of terminal devices 3, the specifying unit 70 specifies the second paging signal specifying the address of the output device 4 sequentially at a predetermined period. 3. The transmission unit 10 transmits the 3-calling signal from the loop transmission line L to the plurality of output devices 4. Here, the specifying unit 70 transmits the third calling signal in both the case where the connection state between the transmission unit 10 and the loop transmission line L is the first connection state and the case where the connection state is the second connection state. 10 to the loop transmission line L (first transmission processing and second transmission processing). Then, the identification unit 22 receives a first response signal, which is a response signal obtained from each output device 4B by executing the first transmission process, and a first response signal, which is a response signal obtained from each output device 4B by executing the second transmission process. The position of the duplicate address terminal on the loop transmission line L is specified based on the second response signal that is the obtained response signal.

Specifically, the identifying unit 70 includes a determining unit 71 and a determining unit 72.

Based on the first response signal and the second response signal, the determination unit 71 determines whether each of the plurality of output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 connected to the loop transmission line L is in the forward direction and the backward direction. It is determined whether the output device is the first output device, which is the output device 4B that detected the response current, or the second output device, which is the output device 4B, which detected the response current in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. .
Further, the determining unit 71 determines which direction, forward or reverse, the response current is detected for the second output device based on the first response signal and the second response signal.
That is, based on the first response signal and the second response signal, the determination unit 71 determines whether the response current detected by each of the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 is a response current in both the forward direction and the reverse direction, or a forward direction response current. A determination process is executed to determine whether the response current is a response current only in the opposite direction or a response current only in the reverse direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing, in a table format, an example of information indicating the results of the discrimination processing performed by the discrimination unit 71.

The determination unit 71 stores the information obtained through the determination process in the response current information storage table shown in FIG. The response current information storage table is stored in the storage section within the control section 14B. In the response current information storage table, identification information, information regarding the presence or absence of forward direction detection, presence or absence of reverse direction detection, presence or absence of single detection, and presence or absence of both detections are stored in association with each other.

The identification information is information that identifies each of the plurality of output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5. For example, the above identification information is an address assigned to the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5. Here, the address of the output device 4B-1 is "0001", the address of the output device 4B-2 is "0002", the address of the output device 4B-3 is "0003", and the address of the output device 4B-4 is "0004", and the address of the output device 4B-5 is "0005". The order in which the addresses of the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 stored in the response current information storage table are arranged is the order in which they are connected to the loop transmission line L along the forward or reverse direction (hereinafter simply referred to as (referred to as "connection order").

The presence or absence of forward direction detection is information indicating whether or not a response current is detected in the forward direction.
The presence or absence of reverse direction detection is information indicating whether or not a response current is detected in the reverse direction.
The presence or absence of one-sided detection is information indicating whether only a response current in either the forward direction or the reverse direction was detected.
The presence or absence of both detection is information indicating whether or not bidirectional response currents in the forward and reverse directions have been detected.

If the first output device and the second output device exist among the plurality of output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5, the determination unit 72 determines whether the first output device and the second output device are connected in the connection order. It is determined that a terminal with a duplicate address is connected to the loop transmission line L of .
Further, if the first output device does not exist among the plurality of output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5, the determination unit 72 determines that the first output device is in the opposite direction to the output device 4B that detected the forward response current in the connection order. It is determined that a duplicate address terminal is connected to the loop transmission line L between the output device 4B and the output device 4B that detected the response current. That is, the determining unit 72 determines that there is a terminal with a duplicate address between the switching between forward direction detection and reverse direction detection in the connection order.

Next, a method for identifying the location of a terminal with a duplicate address in the third embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 8 to 16.

(If the duplicate address terminals are terminal device 3-5 and terminal device 3-9)
A method for the receiver 2B to specify the location of the duplicate address terminals when the duplicate address terminals are the terminal device 3-5 and the terminal device 3-9 will be explained.
When the receiver 2B determines the duplicate address, it controls the connection state to the first connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. do. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-5 transmits the response current Ia to the receiver 2 as a response signal to the second calling signal. The terminal device 3-9 transmits a response current Ib to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the second calling signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the response current Ia is a forward current and passes through the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2. Therefore, in response to the response current Ia, the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction to the receiver 2B.
Further, the response current Ib is a forward current and passes through the output device 4B-1, the output device 4B-2, the output device 4B-3, and the output device 4B-4. Therefore, in response to the response current Ib, the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-4 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction.
However, the output device 4B does not distinguish between the response current Ia and the response current Ib. Therefore, the output device 4B that transmits the response signal indicating that the response current flows in the direction is determined based on the response current from the sensor farthest from the starting end. In the above case, each of the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-4 transmits a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction to the receiver 2B.

Next, the receiver 2B controls the connection state to the second connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-5 transmits the response current Ic to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal. The terminal device 3-9 transmits the response current Id to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the response current Ic is a current in the opposite direction and passes through the output device 4B-5, the output device 4B-4, and the output device 4B-3. Therefore, depending on the response current Ic, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction.
Further, the response current Id is a current in the opposite direction and passes through the output device 4B-5. Therefore, depending on the response current Id, the output device 4B-5 transmits a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction to the receiver 2B.
Therefore, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction.

Therefore, the receiver 2B generates the response current information storage table shown in FIG. is detected. Therefore, in the connection order, the receiver 2B is connected between the output device 4B-2 for single detection and the output device 4B-3 for both detection, and between the output device 4B-5 for single detection and the output device 4B- for both detection. It is determined that a terminal with a duplicate address is connected between 4 and 4.

(If the duplicate address terminals are terminal device 3-5 and terminal device 3-6)
A method for the receiver 2B to specify the location of the duplicate address terminals when the duplicate address terminals are the terminal device 3-5 and the terminal device 3-6 will be explained.
When the receiver 2B determines the duplicate address, it controls the connection state to the first connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. do. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-5 transmits the response current Ie to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third paging signal. The terminal device 3-6 transmits a response current If to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the response current Ie is a forward current and passes through the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2. Therefore, the response current Ie causes the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 to each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction.
Similarly, the response current If is a forward current and passes through the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2. Therefore, depending on the response current If, the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction.
Therefore, the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction to the receiver 2B.

Next, the receiver 2B controls the connection state to the second connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-5 transmits the response current Ig to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal. The terminal device 3-6 transmits a response current Ih to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third paging signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the response current Ig is a current in the opposite direction and passes through the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5. Therefore, depending on the response current Ig, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction to the receiver 2B.
Similarly, response current Ih is a current in the opposite direction and passes through output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5. Therefore, depending on the response current Ih, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction.
Therefore, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction.

Therefore, the receiver 2B generates the response current information storage table shown in FIG. 13. Here, in the response current information storage table shown in FIG. 13, there is no output device 4B (first output device) that has detected bidirectional response currents in the forward and reverse directions. Therefore, in the connection order, the receiver 2B connects a terminal with a duplicate address to the loop transmission line L between the output device 4B-2 that has detected a forward response current and the output device 4B-3 that has detected a reverse response current. is determined to be connected.

(If the duplicate address terminals are terminal device 3-1 and terminal device 3-6)
A method for the receiver 2B to specify the location of the duplicate address terminals when the duplicate address terminals are the terminal device 3-1 and the terminal device 3-6 will be explained.
When the receiver 2B determines the duplicate address, it controls the connection state to the first connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. do. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-1 transmits the response current Ii to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal. The terminal device 3-6 transmits a response current Ij to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third calling signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the response current Ii is a forward current and does not pass through any output device 4B. Further, the response current Ij is a forward current and passes through the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2. Therefore, depending on the response current Ij, the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction to the receiver 2B.
Therefore, the output device 4B-1 and the output device 4B-2 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the forward direction to the receiver 2B.

Next, the receiver 2B controls the connection state to the second connection state, transmits a current detection start command signal, and then transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L. Then, all the output devices 4B start current direction processing upon receiving the current detection start command signal. Then, the terminal device 3-1 transmits the response current Ik to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third paging signal. The terminal device 3-6 transmits a response current Il to the receiver 2B as a response signal to the third paging signal.
Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the response current Ik is a current in the opposite direction and passes through the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5. Therefore, depending on the response current Ik, the output devices 4B-1 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction to the receiver 2B.
The response current Ii is a current in the opposite direction and passes through the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5. Therefore, depending on the response current Ii, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction to the receiver 2B.
Therefore, the output devices 4B-3 to 4B-5 each transmit a response signal to the receiver 2B indicating that the response current flows in the opposite direction.

Therefore, the receiver 2B generates the response current information storage table shown in FIG. 16. Here, each of the first end and the second end (receiver 2B) of the loop transmission line L is regarded as a terminal device that has detected one side. Therefore, in the connection order, the receiver 2B has a connection between the receiver 2B and the output device 4B-1 for both detection, and between the output device 4B-3 for single detection and the output device 4B-2 for both detection. It is determined that a terminal with a duplicate address is connected to the loop transmission line L.

Next, the flow of operation of the receiver 2B according to the third embodiment will be described using FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of operation of the receiver 2B according to the third embodiment.

When the receiver 2B determines the duplicate address, it controls the connection state to the first connection state and transmits a current detection start command signal (step S101). Then, the transmitter 21B transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L after a predetermined period of time after transmitting the current detection start command signal. Thereby, the receiver 2B calls the duplicate address terminal from the forward direction (step S102).

Next, the receiver 2B transmits a third calling signal to all output devices 4B (step S103), and receives a response signal (first response signal) including current direction information from each output device 4B. (Step S104).

After completing step S104, the receiver 2B controls the connection state to the second connection state and transmits the current detection start command signal again (step S105). When the output device 4B receives the current detection start command signal, it resets the current direction information acquired in the previous current direction detection process and executes the current direction detection process again. The transmitting unit 21B transmits a second calling signal specifying the duplicate address to the loop transmission line L after a predetermined period of time after transmitting the current detection start command signal. Thereby, the receiver 2B calls the duplicate address terminal from the opposite direction (step S106).

Next, the receiver 2B transmits the third calling signal to all output devices 4B (step S107), and receives a response signal (second response signal) including current direction information from each output device 4B. (Step S108).

The determination unit 72 determines whether there is an output device 4B that has detected forward and reverse response currents based on the first response signal and the second response signal (step S109). If the determination unit 72 determines that there is an output device 4B that has detected response currents in the forward direction and the reverse direction, the determination unit 72 changes the connection order from the single detection output device 4B to the double detection output device 4B in the forward direction. It is determined that a duplicate address exists during the switching from the single detection output device 4B to the double detection output device 4B in the opposite direction (step S110).

On the other hand, if the determination unit 72 determines that there is no output device 4B that has detected forward and reverse response currents, the determination unit 72 determines that there is no output device 4B that has detected forward and reverse response currents. It is determined that a duplicate address exists during the switching between the response current and the output device 4B (step S111). Note that the determining unit 72 may display the determined position of the duplicate address on the display unit 12.

As described above, in the fire alarm equipment 1B according to the third embodiment, an output device 4B is connected to each of one or more terminal devices 3B in the loop transmission line L to which a plurality of terminal devices 3B are connected. Each output device 4B has a function of detecting the response current flowing in the loop transmission line L at the position where each output device 4B is connected, as well as detecting the direction of the response current. The receiver 2B identifies the duplicate address terminal based on the direction of the response current detected by the output device 4B.

According to such a configuration, the fire alarm equipment 1B can specify where the duplicate address terminal is connected, and can improve the efficiency of searching for the duplicate address terminal.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

(Modification 1)
The output device 4 according to the first embodiment may be configured integrally with an SCI (short circuit isolator). Similarly, the output device 4A according to the second embodiment may be configured integrally with the SCI. Similarly, the output device 4B according to the third embodiment may be configured integrally with the SCI.

(Modification 2)
In the second embodiment, the output device 4A may include an indicator light. The output device 4A may supply power to the indicator light from the power supply section of the output device 4A when the current detection section 31 detects a response current.

(Modification 3)
In the second embodiment, the current detection unit 31 measures the current value of the response current flowing through the second transmission line D in which the current detection unit 31 is provided (hereinafter referred to as “first response current value”). It may have a function. Then, the control unit 32 may determine the number of duplicate address terminals according to the 1-response current value measured by the current detection unit 31.
For example, the current detection unit 31 measures one response current value and outputs the measurement result to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 determines how many times the first response current value obtained from the current detection unit 31 is the current value of the response current output by one terminal device 3 (hereinafter referred to as “second response current value”). By determining whether the current value is , the number of duplicate address terminals (1 response current value/second response current value) is determined. The control unit 32 causes the transmission unit 33 to transmit a response signal that further includes the determined number of duplicate address terminals to the receiver 2A. When receiving each response signal, the receiver 2A identifies the second transmission line D where the duplicate address terminal exists, and connects the identified second transmission line to the second transmission line. The information is displayed on the display unit 12 in association with the number of terminals with duplicate addresses.

(Modification 4)
In the third embodiment, the output device 4B is connected to the loop transmission line L for every two terminal devices 3B, but the output device 4B is connected to the loop transmission line L for every one or more terminal devices 3B. It only needs to be connected.

(Modification 5)
In the third embodiment, the number of called terminals on the downstream side of the output device 4 is determined based on the current value of the response current passing through the output device 4, and the section in which the number of called terminals increases between the output devices 4 It may also be determined that the calling terminal exists.

(Modification 6)
In the first embodiment, the output device 4 is provided on each of the plurality of second transmission lines D, but the output device 4 is not limited to this, and may be connected to one or more second transmission lines D.
Further, the number of output devices 4 connected to one second transmission line D is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.
Similarly, in the second embodiment, the output device 4A is provided on each of the plurality of second transmission lines D, but is not limited to this, and may be connected to one or more second transmission lines D. Bye.
Further, the number of output devices 4A connected to one second transmission line D is not particularly limited, and may be one or more.

(Modification 7)
In the first to third embodiments, a case has been described in which the location of a terminal device to which a duplicate address is set is specified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the location of a terminal device to which a predetermined address is assigned is specified. The present invention may be applied when specifying. In that case, the second call signal is not a signal specifying a duplicate address, but a signal specifying a predetermined address.

(Modification 8)
In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which the output device 4A specifies the terminal device 3 located downstream of the output device 4A in response to a command from the receiver 2A to the output device 4A, but the present invention is not limited to this. The output device 4A may recognize the terminal device 3 located downstream of the output device 4A through communication between the receiver 2A and the terminal device 3 during normal operation. In this case, when the receiver 2A wants to specify the location of the terminal device 3 with a duplicate address or a predetermined address, the location can be specified by simply sending a signal to the output device 4A, and the time required from the start of identification to the completion of identification is Can be shortened.

Note that all or part of the receivers 2, 2A, and 2B described above may be realized by a computer. In this case, the computer may include a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, and a computer-readable recording medium. A program for realizing all or part of the functions of the receivers 2, 2A, and 2B on a computer is recorded on the computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the processor. This may also be achieved by setting and executing. Here, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage medium that dynamically stores a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It may also include a device that retains a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Further, the above-mentioned program may be one for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. It may also be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

1, 1A, 1B Fire alarm equipment 2, 2A, 2B Receiver 3, 3A, 3B Terminal device 4, 4A, 4B Output device 4a Indicator light 14B Control section 52 Current direction detection section 70 Specification section 71 Discrimination section 72 Judgment section D 2nd transmission line L loop transmission line

Claims (7)

receiver and
a plurality of terminal devices connected to one or more transmission lines;
an output device provided on the transmission line;
Equipped with
The receiver outputs a duplicate address, which is an address redundantly assigned to two or more of the terminal devices, as a first address to the transmission line,
Each of the terminal devices outputs a response signal to the receiver via the transmission line when the second address stored in the terminal device matches the first address,
The output device performs at least one of notification in a predetermined manner and notification to the receiver based on the response signal flowing through the transmission line where the output device is installed.
Fire alarm equipment characterized by: The transmission line is a second transmission line branched into a plurality of lines from the first transmission line connected to the receiver,
The output device is provided on each of the plurality of second transmission lines,
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output device has an indicator light provided upstream of the plurality of terminal devices in the second transmission line,
The indicator light is turned on when a response current functioning as the response signal flows through the second transmission line connected to the indicator light.
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission line is connected to the receiver in a loop,
The output device is connected to the transmission line for each of the one or more terminal devices,
Each of the output devices is
a current direction detection unit that detects the direction of a response current that functions as the response signal flowing through the transmission line;
a control unit that outputs a response signal including the direction of the response current detected by the current direction detection unit to the receiver;
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: The receiver identifies the position of the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached based on the response signal obtained from each of the output devices.
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The receiver includes:
a first transmission process of transmitting a signal including the first address in a first direction with respect to the transmission line; and a first transmission process of transmitting the signal including the first address with respect to the transmission line in a second direction opposite to the first direction. a transmission unit capable of executing a second transmission process for transmitting a signal including the first address;
A first response signal that is the response signal obtained from each of the output devices by executing the first transmission process, and a first response signal that is the response signal obtained from each of the output devices by executing the second transmission process. a second response signal, and a specifying unit that specifies the location of the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached based on the second response signal;
Equipped with
The specific part is
Based on the first response signal and the second response signal, detect the response current in both the first direction and the second direction among the plurality of output devices connected to the transmission line. a first output device that is the output device that has been detected, and a second output device that is the output device that has detected the response current in either the first direction or the second direction; ,
a determination unit that determines that the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached is connected to the transmission line between the first output device and the second output device;
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 5, comprising: If the first output device does not exist among the plurality of output devices, the determination unit detects the response current in the second direction and the output device that detected the response current in the first direction. determining that the terminal device to which the duplicate address is attached is connected to the transmission line between the detected output device;
The fire alarm equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that:

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